Absorbent article

ABSTRACT

Disclosed is an absorbent article including: a first sheet leak preventer; a second sheet leak preventer present above and in a rear part of the first leak preventer; and an absorbent containing a super absorbent polymer, capable of absorbing a body fluid, and provided above the first leak preventer extending from a front part of the first leak preventer beneath the second leak preventer in at least one layer. The absorbent article of the present invention can separate urine and feces efficiently in use and having high urine absorption capacity.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a novel absorbent article.

BACKGROUND ART

An absorbent article such as a disposable diaper is an article forabsorbing urine excreted from a wearer into an absorber employing anabsorbing component such as wood pulp or a super absorbent polymer(hereinafter, may also be referred to as “SAP”) and for receiving feces.A conventional absorbent article has no function of separating urine andfeces, and thus urine and feces are liable to mix in use of theabsorbent article. The mixing of urine and feces develops a problem ofcausing an offensive odor, a rash, or the like.

Correspondingly, various processes for separating urine and feces havebeen proposed.

For example, there is proposed a process for separating urine and fecesby a partition member (see Patent Documents 1 and 2, for example).

Further, there is proposed a process for separating urine from feces by:providing an opening in a rear part of an absorbent article; andreceiving the feces in the opening (see Patent Documents 2 to 5, forexample).

Further, there is proposed a process for inhibiting contact betweenurine and feces by absorbing the urine rapidly to remove the urine froman inner surface of an absorbent article (see Patent Documents 6 and 7,for example).

-   Patent Document 1: JP 7-299092 A-   Patent Document 2: WO 02/24130-   Patent Document 3: JP 6-327715 A-   Patent Document 4: JP 6-343660 A-   Patent Document 5: JP 8-56986 A-   Patent Document 6: JP 6-90977 A-   Patent Document 7: JP 9-28732 A

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, the above-described conventional absorbent article is notcapable of realizing efficient separation of urine and feces. Further,the conventional absorbent article has low urine absorption capacity andmust be changed numerous times.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide anabsorbent article capable of separating urine and feces efficiently inuse and having high urine absorption capacity.

Means to Solve the Problems

The inventors of the present invention have conducted intensive studiesfor attaining the above-described object, and have completed anabsorbent article having a novel structure.

That is, the present invention provides the following items (1) to (10).

(1) An absorbent article including:

a first sheet leak preventer;

a second sheet leak preventer present above and in a rear part of thefirst leak preventer; and

an absorbent containing a super absorbent polymer, capable of absorbinga body fluid, and provided above the first leak preventer extending froma front part of the first leak preventer beneath the second leakpreventer in at least one layer.

(2) The absorbent article according to the above item (1), in which aurine introduction part forming material is bonded to a part of a lowersurface of a front end of the second leak preventer.

(3) The absorbent article according to the above item (1) or (2),further including a urine/feces stopping member in a front end or in avicinity of the front end of the second leak preventer.

(4) The absorbent article according to any one of the above items (1) to(3), in which the absorber is separated and provided on right and leftsides in a front part of the first leak preventer.

(5) The absorbent article according to any one of the above items (1) to(4), in which the absorber is separated and provided on right and leftsides in a rear part of the first leak preventer.

(6) The absorbent article according to any one of the above items (1) to(5), in which a part or entire periphery of the first leak preventerrises upward.

(7) The absorbent article according to the above item (6), in whichright and left side walls of the first leak preventer are folded inward.

(8) The absorbent article according to the above item (6) or (7), inwhich right and left side walls of the first leak preventer are formedinto folded shape.

(9) The absorbent article according to the above item (8), in which theabsorber is provided in each of at least two of two or morestepped-spaces defined by the right and left side walls of the firstleak preventer formed into folded shape.

(10) The absorbent article according to any one of the above items (1)to (9), in which a part or entire periphery of the second leak preventerrises upward.

Effect of the Invention

The absorbent article of the present invention is capable of separatingurine and feces efficiently in use and has high urine absorptioncapacity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 show schematic diagrams each showing an example of an absorbentarticle of the present invention;

FIG. 2 show schematic diagrams showing various shapes of a second leakpreventer;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanism of an absorbentarticle of the present invention;

FIG. 4 show schematic diagrams each showing another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention;

FIG. 5 show schematic diagrams each showing still another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention;

FIG. 6 show schematic diagrams each showing yet another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention;

FIG. 7 show schematic diagrams each showing still yet another example ofthe absorbent article of the present invention;

FIG. 8 show schematic diagrams each showing an example of the absorbentarticle of the present invention;

FIG. 9 show schematic diagrams each showing another example of thepresent invention;

FIG. 10 show schematic diagrams each showing still another example ofthe absorbent article of the present invention;

FIG. 11 show schematic diagrams showing various examples of aurine/feces stopping member;

FIG. 12 show schematic diagrams showing various other examples of aurine/feces stopping member;

FIG. 13 show schematic diagrams showing various still other examples ofa urine/feces stopping member;

FIG. 14 show schematic diagrams showing various yet other examples of aurine/feces stopping member;

FIG. 15 show schematic diagrams showing various examples of a positionof an absorber;

FIG. 16 show schematic diagrams each showing yet another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention;

FIG. 17 show schematic diagrams each showing still yet another exampleof the absorbent article of the present invention;

FIG. 18 show schematic diagrams each showing an example of the absorbentarticle of the present invention;

FIG. 19 show schematic diagrams each showing another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention;

FIG. 20 show schematic diagrams each showing still another example ofthe absorbent article of the present invention;

FIG. 21 shows schematic diagrams showing yet another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention;

FIG. 22 show schematic diagrams each showing still yet another exampleof the absorbent article of the present invention;

FIG. 23 show schematic diagrams showing various examples of positionalrelationship between a first leak preventer and a second leak preventer;

FIG. 24 show schematic diagrams showing various examples of positionalrelationship among a first leak preventer, a second leak preventer, andan absorbent;

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram showing an absorbent article of thepresent invention according to an embodiment of a tape-type diaper;

FIG. 26 show schematic diagrams each showing the absorbent article ofthe present invention according to the embodiment of a tape-type diaper;

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram showing the absorbent article of thepresent invention according to the embodiment of a tape-type diaper;

FIG. 28 is a schematic diagram showing an absorbent article of thepresent invention according to an embodiment of a tapeless-type diaper;

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram showing the absorbent article of thepresent invention according to the embodiment of a tapeless-type diaper;

FIG. 30 show schematic diagrams each showing the absorbent article ofthe present invention according to the embodiment of a tapeless-typediaper;

FIG. 31 is a schematic diagram showing an absorbent article of thepresent invention according to another embodiment of a tape-type diaper;

FIG. 32 is a schematic diagram showing the absorbent article of thepresent invention according to the embodiment of a tape-type diaper;

FIG. 33 show schematic diagrams each showing the absorbent article ofthe present invention according to the embodiment of a tape-type diaper;

FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram showing the absorbent article of thepresent invention according to the embodiment of a tape-type diaper; and

FIG. 35 show schematic diagrams each showing an example of the absorbentarticle of the present invention.

Legend 10, 10a to 10e, 101, 102, 103 FIRST LEAK PREVENTER 12, 12a to12r, 121, 122, 123 SECOND LEAK PREVENTER 13 FECES DISPOSING SHEET 14,14a to 14g, 141, 142, 143 ABSORBER 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 28 URINEINTRODUCTION PART FORMING MEMBER 17, 19, 21, 70 BONDING PART 30, 32, 34,36, 38, 39, 40, URINE/FECES STOPPING 42a to 42m, 44a to 44d, MEMBER 46ato 46e 40a URINE STOPPING PART 40b FECES STOPPING PART 40c BASE PART 50SKIN CONTACT SHEET 60 OUTER GATHER 61 OUTER MEMBER 62 INNER GATHER 64BONDING TAPE 66 WAIST GATHER 68 PERIPHERAL SHAPE RETAINING MEMBER 72WAIST BAND 74, 76 REMOVABLE MEMBER 80 LIQUID GUIDE SHEET 100, 110, 120,130, 140, 150, 160, ABSORBENT ARTICLE 170, 180, 190, 200, 210, 220, 230,240, 250, 260, 270, 280, 300, 310, 320 LH LEG HOLE W WAIST HOLE a ANUS mURETHRAL OPENING

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, an absorbent article of the present invention will bedescribed in more detail based on preferable embodiment modes shown inattached drawings. In the specification of the present invention, whenthe absorbent article is actually worn, a side close to a skin of awearer is referred to as an “upper” side and a side far therefrom isreferred to as a “lower” side. In addition, when the absorbent articleis actually worn, a side corresponding to a front side of a body of awearer is referred to as “front” and a side corresponding to a rear sidethereof is referred to as “rear”. In the drawings, members which areactually in contact with each other may be shown to be separatelypositioned for easy understanding.

FIG. 1 are schematic diagrams each showing an example of the absorbentarticle of the present invention. FIG. 1(A) is a plan view. FIG. 1(B) isa longitudinal end view taken along the line IB-IB of FIG. 1(A), andFIG. 1(C) is a lateral end view taken along the line IC-IC of FIG. 1(A).

Note that, in each plan view of the attached drawings, a front side ofan absorbent article or others is shown on an upper side of the diagram.

An absorbent article 100 of the present invention is basically providedwith: a first leak preventer 10 in sheet form; a second leak preventer12 in sheet form present above and in a rear part of the first leakpreventer 10; and an absorber 14 containing a super absorbent polymer,capable of absorbing a body fluid, and provided above the first leakpreventer 10 extending from a front part of the first leak preventer 10beneath the second leak preventer 12 in at least one layer.

Materials generally used for a back sheet may be used as materials forthe first leak preventer 10 and the second leak preventer 12. Specificexamples of the materials that can be used include: a resin film of PE,PP, PET, EVA, or the like; and a body fluid impermeable sheet such as afoamed resin sheet made of the resin. Further, a sheet having gaspermeability such as a gas permeable film is preferably used as the bodyfluid impermeable sheet.

The resin film may be used as a multilayer sheet of the film and anonwoven fabric for the better touch or appearance. In this case, an SBnonwoven fabric, an SMS nonwoven fabric, a thermal bond nonwoven fabric,or the like having a relatively light weight is preferably used as thenonwoven fabric.

Further, a multilayer sheet of the resin film and a sheet absorberdescribed below may be used.

Further, a highly water-resistant nonwoven fabric may be used. In thiscase, the highly water-resistant nonwoven fabric may be used alone, orused as a multilayer sheet of a film and the highly water-resistantnonwoven fabric.

The first leak preventer 10 and the second leak preventer 12 each may beformed of a plurality of members.

A longitudinal length, a longitudinal position, a lateral length, or thelike of the second leak preventer is not particularly limited as long asthe second leak preventer is capable of receiving feces.

A shape of the second leak preventer 12 is not particularly limited aslong as the second leak preventer 12 has a shape of a sheet. Forexample, the second leak preventer 12 may have a shape shown in FIG. 2.

FIG. 2 are schematic diagrams showing various shapes of the second leakpreventer. FIGS. 2(A) to 2(J) are each a plan view.

The absorber 14 used in the present invention is not particularlylimited as long as it may absorb a body fluid. For example, a powderyabsorber such as powdery wood pulp or unprocessed SAP may be used as theabsorber 14, but the absorber 14 is preferably a sheet absorber inconsideration of shape stability, possibility of falling, and the like.

The sheet absorber is preferably a super absorbent sheet containing 50wt % or more SAP, preferably 60 to 95 wt % SAP.

The super absorbent sheet is an ultrathin sheet absorber containing SAPas a main component. The super absorbent sheet has a very high SAPcontent, and thus is very thin. The super absorbent sheet has athickness of preferably 1.5 mm or less, more preferably 1 mm or less.

A structure or a production process for the super absorbent sheet is notparticularly limited as long as the super absorbent sheet is anultrathin sheet absorber containing SAP as a main component.

An example of the super absorbent sheet includes a super absorbent sheetobtained through an Air Laid process. The Air Laid process involvesmixing pulverized wood pulp and SAP, adding a binder, and forming themixture into a sheet, to thereby obtain a super absorbent sheet.Examples of the super absorbent sheet obtained through this processinclude: NOVATHIN (US trade name) available from Reyonier Inc.; andB-SAP available From Oji Kinocloth Co., Ltd.

Another example of the super absorbent sheet includes a super absorbentsheet obtained through a process involving coating SAP-dispersed slurryon a body fluid permeable sheet such as a nonwoven fabric. TheSAP-dispersed slurry is preferably prepared by dispersing SAP andmicrofibrillated cellulose (MFC) in a mixed solvent of water andethanol. An example of the super absorbent sheet obtained through thisprocess includes MegaThin (trade name) available from Japan AbsorbentTechnology Institute.

Other examples of the super absorbent sheet include: a super absorbentsheet obtained through a process involving carrying a large amount ofSAP on a raised nonwoven fabric and fixing the SAP with a hot meltbinder, an emulsion binder, an aqueous fiber, or the like; a superabsorbent sheet obtained through a process involving mixing fibrous SAPwith a PET (polyethylene terephthalate) fiber and forming the mixtureinto a web; and an SAP sheet obtained by providing tissues above andbelow an SAP layer.

The absorber 14 is provided above the first leak preventer 10 extendingfrom a front part of the first leak preventer 10 beneath the second leakpreventer 12 in at least one layer. That is, the absorber 14 may beprovided as one layer, or as two or more layers (multilayer).

Further, the absorber 14 may be provided while being folded.

Next, a mechanism of the absorbent article 100 will be described.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram illustrating a mechanism of the absorbentarticle of the present invention. FIG. 3 shows a longitudinal sectionalview of the absorbent article.

The absorbent article 100 is worn such that a urethral opening m of awearer is positioned above the first leak preventer 10, and an anus athereof is positioned above the second leak preventer 12.

Urine excreted from the urethral opening m of the wearer to an upperside of the absorber 14 present in an upper part of the first leakpreventer 10 diffuses across the entire absorber 14 while being absorbedtherein, as shown by arrows in FIG. 3.

Meanwhile, feces excreted from the anus a of the wearer to the secondleak preventer 12 is received by the second leak preventer 12.

The absorbent article 100 of the present invention receives the urine bythe absorber 14 present above the first leak preventer 10 and receivesthe feces by the second leak preventer 12. Thus, the urine and the fecesare not brought into contact with each other unless the urine flows overto the second leak preventer 12 or the feces flows over to the absorber14.

In the absorbent article 100 of the present invention, the absorber 14is provided above the first leak preventer 10 extending from a frontpart thereof beneath the second leak preventer 12. Thus, a urineabsorption amount significantly increases compared with that of aconventional way, in which urine and feces are separated by a partitionmember and the urine is absorbed in a front part alone.

Hereinafter, the absorbent article of the present invention will bedescribed in more detail by referring to other preferable modes.

FIG. 4 are schematic diagrams each showing another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 4(A) is a plan view.FIG. 4(B) is a longitudinal end view taken along the line IVB-IVB ofFIG. 4(A), and FIG. 4(C) is a lateral end view taken along the lineIVC-IVC of FIG. 4(A).

An absorbent article 110 shown in FIG. 4 is basically the same as theabsorbent article 100, but differs in that a lower surface of a frontend of the second leak preventer 12 is partly bonded to an upper surfaceof the absorber 14 at a lateral center part of the absorbent article 110through a urine introduction part forming member 16.

In order to transfer the excreted urine smoothly to the absorber 14present under the second leak preventer 12, preferably, a gap isprovided and secured between the second leak preventer 12 and theabsorber 14, particularly in a vicinity of the front end of the secondleak preventer 12.

In the absorbent article 110, the urine introduction part forming member16 is provided between the lower surface of the front end of the secondleak preventer 12 and the upper surface of the absorber 14, to therebyassure the gap between the second leak preventer 12 and the absorber 14.The urine transferred to a lower side of the second leak preventer 12 isdivided into right and left directions by the urine introduction partforming member 16 and rectified for smooth transfer. Further, the secondleak preventer 12 and the absorber 14 are bonded through the urineintroduction part forming member 16, and a positional relationship amongthe second leak preventer 12, the absorber 14, and the urineintroduction forming member 16 is maintained substantially constant. Theurine introduction part forming member 16 only needs to be bonded to thesecond leak prevent 12, and needs not be bonded to the absorber 14.

The urine introduction part 16 must have a certain thickness forassuring a gap between the second leak preventer 12 and the absorber 14,but is not particularly limited otherwise. Examples of a material forthe urine introduction part forming member 16 include an adhesive,rubber, a film, foam (a foamed product), and a bulky nonwoven fabric. Ina case where the material therefor is an adhesive, the adhesive isapplied so as to have a certain thickness. In a case where the materialtherefor is rubber, a film, a foamed product, or a bulky nonwovenfabric, the material is formed into a thin piece or a strip, and asurface thereof and the surface of the second leak preventer 12 arebonded through an adhesive or the like.

The urine introduction part forming member 16 refers to a memberprepared by: providing a urethane foam block having a length(longitudinal length) of 10 mm, a width (lateral length) of 20 mm, and athickness of 3 mm between a lower surface of a front end of the secondleak preventer 12 and an upper surface of the absorber 14 and beingfixed by a hot melt adhesive.

In the absorbent article 110, the urine passes through both sides of theurine introduction part forming member 16 and transfers to a rear partof the absorber 14, as shown by arrows in FIG. 4(A). This is becauseurethane foam used for the urine introduction part forming member 16 hasno liquid permeability. In this way, a passage of the urine isrestricted to a certain extent, and thus a large amount of urineconverges and flows through specific positions, to thereby facilitatetransfer of the urine to the rear part of the absorber 14.

FIG. 5 are schematic diagrams each showing still another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 5(A) is a plan view.FIG. 5(B) is a longitudinal end view taken along the line VB-VB of FIG.5(A), and FIG. 5(C) is a lateral end view taken along the line VC-VC ofFIG. 5(A).

An absorbent article 120 shown in FIG. 5 is basically the same as theabsorbent article 110 in structure and function, but differs in shape ofthe urine introduction part forming member. The urine introduction partforming member 16 is laterally linear, but a urine introduction partforming member 18 has a V-shape with an apex on a front side, to therebyaccelerate smooth transfer of the urine from the front part to rear partof the absorber 14 and prevent efficiently back flow of the urine fromthe rear part to front part of the absorber 14.

FIG. 6 are schematic diagrams each showing yet another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 6(A) is a plan view.FIG. 6(B) is a longitudinal end view taken along the line VIB-VIB ofFIG. 6(A), and FIG. 6(C) is a lateral end view taken along the lineVIC-VIC of FIG. 6(A).

An absorbent article 130 shown in FIG. 6 is basically the same as theabsorbent article 110 in structure and function, but differs in positionof the urine introduction part forming member. A urine introduction partforming member 20 is separated and positioned on right and left sides.

FIG. 7 are schematic diagrams each showing still yet another example ofthe absorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 7(A) is a planview. FIG. 7(B) is a longitudinal end view taken along the lineVIIB-VIIB of FIG. 7(A), and FIG. 7(C) is a lateral end view taken alongthe line VIIC-VIIC of FIG. 7(A).

An absorbent article 140 shown in FIG. 7 is basically the same as theabsorbent article 130 in structure and function, but differs in shape ofthe urine introduction part forming member. A urine introduction formingmember 22 is separated into right and left parts such that outer sidesthereof are provided frontward, and inner sides thereof providedrearward. Such a shape of the urine introduction forming member 22converges the urine to a center part, to thereby accelerate smoothtransfer of the urine from the front part to rear part of the absorber14 and prevent efficiently back flow of the urine from the rear part tofront part of the absorber 14.

FIG. 8 are schematic diagrams each showing an example of the absorbentarticle of the present invention. FIG. 8(A) is a plan view, and FIG.8(B) is a lateral end view taken along the line VIIIB-VIIIB of FIG.8(A).

An absorbent article 150 shown in FIG. 8 is basically the same as theabsorbent article 100, but differs in that a lower surface of a frontend of the second leak preventer 12 is partly bonded to an upper surfaceof the absorber 14 across an entire lateral length through a urineintroduction part forming member 24 having a plurality of honeycombpores. The second leak preventer 12 and the urine introduction partforming member 24 are bonded through an adhesive or the like, and theabsorber 14 and the urine introduction part forming member 24 are bondedthrough an adhesive or the like.

In the absorbent article 150, the urine passes through the urineintroduction part forming member 24 and transfers to a rear part of theabsorber 14, as shown by arrows in FIG. 8(A). Flow of the urine isdivided by the urine introduction part forming member 24 and rectified,to thereby prevent very efficiently back flow of the urine from the rearpart to front part of the absorber 14.

FIG. 9 are schematic diagrams each showing another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 9(A) is a plan view.FIG. 9(B) is a longitudinal end view taken along the line IXB-IXB ofFIG. 9(A), and FIG. 9(C) is a lateral end view taken along the lineIXC-IXC of FIG. 9(A).

An absorbent article 160 shown in FIG. 9 is basically the same as theabsorbent article 100, but differs in that a lower surface of a frontend of the second leak preventer 12 is partly bonded to an upper surfaceof the absorber 14 across an entire lateral length through a urineintroduction part forming member 26 having liquid permeability. Thesecond leak preventer 12 and the urine introduction part forming member26 are bonded through an adhesive or the like, and the absorber 14 andthe urine introduction part forming member 26 are bonded through anadhesive or the like.

The urine introduction part forming member 26 having liquid permeabilityis not particularly limited as long as it has liquid permeability.Examples thereof that can be used include: a nonwoven fabric of asynthetic fiber such as a PP nonwoven fabric, a PET nonwoven fabric, ora PE nonwoven fabric; a net filter (Moltofilter, available from InoacCorporation, for example); a sheet piece such as high expansion foamhaving open cells. The nonwoven fabric preferably has bulky and thickfibers for excellent cushioning property and liquid permeability.

In the absorbent article 160, the urine passes through the urineintroduction part forming member 26 having liquid permeability andtransfers to a rear part of the absorber 14, as shown by arrows in FIG.9(A).

FIG. 10 are schematic diagrams each showing still another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 10(A) is a plan view,and FIG. 10(B) is a longitudinal end view taken along the line XB-XB ofFIG. 10(A).

An absorbent article 170 shown in FIG. 10 includes a urine/fecesstopping member 30 on a front end of the second leak preventer 12.

The urine/feces stopping member has a function of holding urine in thefirst leak preventer and/or a function of holding feces in the secondleak preventer, to thereby prevent contact between the urine and thefeces or prevent leak of the urine and/or the feces.

A material for the urine/feces stopping member 30 is not particularlylimited, but the urine/feces stopping member 30 is preferably liquidimpermeable as a whole. Examples of the material therefor include: afoamed product (made of PU, PP, or PP/EVA, for example); a materialincluding as a core a foamed product covered with a hydrophilicmaterial; and a material including as a core a foamed product coveredwith a hydrophilic material and further covered with a nonwoven fabricor body fluid impermeable sheet. The second leak preventer 12 may extendto form the urine/feces stopping member.

FIG. 11 are schematic diagrams showing various examples of theurine/feces stopping member. FIGS. 11(A) to 11(C) and 11(E) are each alongitudinal end view, and FIG. 11(D) is a plan view.

A urine/feces stopping member 32 shown in FIG. 11(A) is provided suchthat an upper end of the urine/feces stopping member 32 is positionedfrontward at a front end of the second leak preventer 12. In this way,urine is particularly efficiently prevented from entering into thesecond leak preventer 12.

A urine/feces stopping member 34 shown in FIG. 11(B) is provided suchthat an upper end of the urine/feces stopping member 34 is positionedrearward at a front end of the second leak preventer 12. In this way,feces are particularly efficiently prevented from leaking from thesecond leak preventer 12.

A urine/feces stopping member 36 shown in FIG. 11(C) has a T-shape. Inthis way, urine is particularly efficiently prevented from entering intothe second leak preventer 12 and feces are particularly efficientlyprevented from leaking from the second leak preventer 12.

The urine/feces stopping member is generally provided across an entirelateral width of the absorbent article. However, a urine/feces stoppingmember 38 shown in FIG. 11(D) is partly provided at a center part of afront end of the second leak preventer 12. This embodiment mode is forpreventing contact between urine and feces at a lateral center partwhere the urine and the feces are liable to contact each other.

A urine/feces stopping member 39 shown in FIG. 11(E) is provided on asurface of the absorber 14 at a distance of about 2 to 3 cm in front ofthe second leak preventer 12. In this way, even if urine flows over theurine/feces stopping member 39 to a rear side, the urine is absorbed bythe absorber 14 present between the urine/feces stopping member 39 andthe second leak preventer 12. Thus, the urine is efficiently preventedfrom flowing over the second leak preventer 12.

The urine/feces stopping members 30, 32, 34, and 36 each may have thestructure of the urine/feces stopping member 38.

A shape of the urine/feces stopping member is not particularly limited.In addition to the shapes as described above, the urine/feces stoppingmember may have the shapes shown in FIGS. 12 to 14.

FIGS. 12 to 14 are schematic diagrams showing various examples of theurine/feces stopping member. FIGS. 12(A) to 12(M) are each a plan view,and FIGS. 13(A) to 13(D) are each a side view. FIGS. 14(A) to 14(E) areeach a lateral end view. In FIGS. 12 to 14, reference symbols 12 a to 12m each represent a second leak preventer, and reference symbol 27represents a urine introduction part forming member having liquidpermeability. Reference symbols 42 a to 42 m, 44 a to 44 d, and 46 a to46 e each represent a urine/feces stopping member.

Note that, FIGS. 13(C) and 13(D) each show a case where urine/fecesstopping members are provided on both right and left sides of the secondpreventer 12 of each of FIGS. 13(A) and 13(B).

FIG. 15 are schematic diagrams showing various examples of a position ofan absorber. FIGS. 15(A) to 15(F) are each a plan view.

The absorber 14 shown in FIG. 1 is provided substantially across theentire lateral width of the first leak preventer 10. In this case, anamount of the absorber is large, increasing a urine absorption amount.

An absorber 14 a shown in FIG. 15(A) is separated and provided on rightand left sides of the first leak preventer 10 in its front part, and isprovided substantially across the entire lateral width of the first leakpreventer 10 in its rear part. In this case, in initial absorption, afront part of the absorber 14 a mainly absorbs urine and swells, tothereby form a depressed part at a lateral center part. Then, when theurine is further excreted, the depressed part serves as a passage toaccelerate transfer of the urine to a rear part of the absorber 14 a, tothereby provide excellent usability in the rear part of the absorber 14a.

An absorber 14 b shown in FIG. 15(B) is provided substantially acrossthe entire lateral width in a front part of the first leak preventer 10,and is separated and provided on right and left sides of the first leakpreventer 10 on its rear part. In this case, a rear part of the absorber14 b absorbs urine and swells, to thereby form a depressed part at alateral center part. In this way, the second leak preventer 12 sags downat a lateral center part, to thereby increase an amount of feces to bereceived.

In this embodiment mode, a lower surface of a front end of the secondleak preventer 12 may be partly bonded to an upper surface of the firstleak preventer 10. In FIG. 15(F), a lower surface of a front end of thesecond leak preventer 12 is partly bonded to an upper surface of thefirst leak preventer 10 through a bonding part 17. This embodiment modehas a space formed for receiving feces from initial use.

A front end of the bonding part 17 is preferably at a position 0 to 40mm behind the front end of the second leak preventer 12, and a rear endthereof is preferably at a position between 20 mm behind the front endof the second leak preventer 12 and the position of the rear end of thesecond leak preventer 12.

The bonding part 17 preferably has a lateral length of 2 to 20 mm.

The position and size of the bonding part 17 within the above ranges donot suppress swelling of the absorber, and thus a large urine absorptionamount can be maintained.

An absorber 14 c shown in FIG. 15(C) is provided so as to be separatedto right and left sides of the first leak preventer 10 from its frontpart to its rear part. This case provides both effects of theabove-described absorbers 14 a and 14 b.

An absorber 14 d shown in FIG. 15(D) is basically the same as theabsorber 14 a, but differs in that right and left parts of the absorber14 d are bonded at its front end. This case provides substantially thesame effects as those of the above-described absorber 14 a.

An absorber 14 e shown in FIG. 15(E) is basically the same as theabsorber 14 b, but differs in that right and left parts of the absorber14 e are bonded at its rear end. This case provides substantially thesame effects as those of the above-described absorber 14 b.

FIG. 16 are schematic diagrams each showing yet another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 16(A) is a plan view,and FIG. 16(B) is a lateral end view taken along the line XVIB-XVIB ofFIG. 16(A). FIGS. 16(C) and 16(D) are each a lateral end view of theabsorbent article according to another embodiment mode of the presentinvention.

In an absorbent article 180 shown in FIGS. 16(A) and 16(B), a laterallength of an absorber 14 f is shorter than a lateral length of thesecond leak preventer 12.

An absorbent article 190 shown in FIG. 16(C) is basically the same asthe absorbent article 180, but differs in that: both right and leftsides of a second leak preventer 12 n come down to form side walls; andthe side walls are folded inward to surround the absorber 14 f.

An absorbent article 200 shown in FIG. 16(D) is basically the same asthe absorbent article 190, but differs in that ends of side walls of asecond leak preventer 12 o overlap to completely surround the absorber14 f.

A part or entire periphery of the first leak preventer preferably risesupward.

FIG. 17 are schematic diagrams each showing still another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 17(A) is a plan view.FIG. 17(B) is a longitudinal end view taken along the line XVIIB-XVIIBof FIG. 17(A), and FIG. 17(C) is a lateral end view taken along the lineXVIIC-XVIIC of FIG. 17(A).

In an absorbent article 210 shown in FIG. 17, both right and left sidesof a first leak preventer 10 a rise upward. In this way, urine hardlyleaks from the right and left sides of the first leak preventer 10 a.

FIG. 18 are schematic diagrams each showing an example of the absorbentarticle of the present invention. FIG. 18(A) is a plan view. FIG. 18(B)is a longitudinal end view taken along the line XVIIIB-XVIIIB of FIG.18(A), and FIG. 18(C) is a lateral end view taken along the lineXVIIIC-XVIIIC of FIG. 18(A).

In an absorbent article 220 shown in FIG. 18, an entire periphery of afirst leak preventer 10 b rises upward. In this way, urine hardly leaksfrom the periphery of the first leak preventer 10 b.

FIG. 19 are schematic diagrams each showing another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 19(A) is a plan view.FIG. 19(B) is a longitudinal end view taken along the line XIXB-XIXB ofFIG. 19(A), and FIG. 19(C) is a lateral end view taken along the lineXIXC-XIXC of FIG. 19(A).

In an absorbent article 230 shown in FIG. 19, both right and left sidesof a first leak preventer 10 c rise upward to form side walls, and theside walls are folded inward. In this way, urine hardly leaks from theright and left sides of the first leak preventer 10 c. Further, a spaceformed by the side walls serves as a passage, to thereby acceleratetransfer of the urine to a rear part of the absorber 14.

FIG. 20 are schematic diagrams each showing still another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 20(A) is a plan view.FIG. 20(B) is a longitudinal end view taken along the line XXB-XXB ofFIG. 20(A), and FIG. 20(C) is a lateral end view taken along the lineXXC-XXC of FIG. 20(A).

An absorbent article 240 shown in FIG. 20 is basically the same as theabsorbent article 230, but differs in that right and left side walls ofa first leak preventer 10 d are formed into folded-shape. In this way, avolume of a space formed by the first leak preventer 10 d increases, tothereby increase an amount of the absorber 14 and increase a urineabsorption amount.

FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram showing a yet another example of theabsorbent article of the present invention. FIG. 21 is a lateral endview.

An absorbent article 220 shown in FIG. 21 is basically the same as theabsorbent article 210, but differs in that an absorber 14 g as twolayers is provided.

FIG. 22 are schematic diagrams each showing still yet another example ofthe absorbent article of the present invention. FIGS. 22(A) and 22(B)are each a lateral end view.

In an absorbent article 260 shown in FIG. 22(A), both right and leftsides of a first leak preventer 10 e rise upward and inward to form sidewalls. Both right and left ends of a second leak preventer 12 p comedown to cover the right and left side walls of the first leak preventer10 e.

An absorbent article 270 shown in FIG. 22(B) is basically the same asthe absorbent article 260, but differs in that both right and left endsof a second leak preventer 12 q come down to cover both right and leftends of the absorber 14 f.

FIG. 23 are schematic diagrams showing various examples of a positionalrelationship between the first leak preventer, in which right and leftside walls are formed into folded-shape, and the second leak preventer.FIGS. 23(A) to 23(O) are each a lateral end view. In FIG. 23, anunshaded member represents the first leak preventer, and a hatchedmember represents the second leak preventer. In FIG. 23, the absorber isomitted.

FIG. 24 are schematic diagrams showing various other examples of apositional relationship between the first leak preventer, in which rightand left side walls are formed into folded-shape, and the second leakpreventer. FIGS. 24(A) to 24(H) are each a lateral end view. In FIG. 24,an unshaded member represents the first leak preventer, and a hatchedmember represents the second leak preventer. A diagonally shaded memberrepresents the absorber.

Of those, a preferable positional relationship includes an absorberprovided in at least two of two or more stepped spaces defined by rightand left side walls of the first leak preventer formed intofolded-shape. Specific examples thereof include those shown in FIGS.24(C) to 24(H). In this way, two or more layers of absorbers provideincreased urine absorption capacity.

FIG. 35 are schematic diagrams each showing an example of the absorbentarticle of the present invention. FIG. 35(A) is a plan view. FIG. 35(B)is a longitudinal end view taken along the line XXXVB-XXXVB of FIG.35(A), and FIG. 35(C) is a lateral end view taken along the lineXXXVC-XXXVC of FIG. 35(A).

In an absorbent article 280 shown in FIG. 35, an entire periphery of asecond leak preventer 12 r rises upward. When a part or entire peripheryof the second leak preventer rises upward as described above, feceshardly leaks from the periphery of the second leak preventer.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail byway of specific embodiments.

Embodiment 1

FIGS. 25 to 27 are schematic diagrams each showing an absorbent articleof the present invention according to an embodiment of a tape-typediaper. FIG. 25 is a plan view. FIG. 26(A) is a longitudinal end viewtaken along the line XXVIA-XXVIA of FIG. 25, and FIG. 26(B) is a lateralend view taken along the line XXVIB-XXVIB of FIG. 25. FIG. 27 is aperspective view showing a state of the absorbent article worn.

In an absorbent article 300, a first leak preventer 101 in sheet formhas a shape of a rectangle with a slightly narrow longitudinal centerpart, and the first leak preventer 101 has a bonding tape 64 on bothrear ends.

A second leak preventer 121 in sheet form is provided in an upper rearpart of the first sheet leak preventer 101. A substantially rectangularabsorber 141 is provided above the first leak preventer 101 from a frontpart thereof beneath the second leak preventer 121. Both right and leftsides of the second leak preventer 121 come down to form side walls. Theside walls are folded inward to cover the absorber 141. In FIG. 26(A),the first leak preventer 101 and the second leak preventer 121 arecompletely separated from each other, but are actually bonded integrallyat front and rear ends of the absorbent article 300, to thereby preventleak of the urine or the feces.

In a vicinity of a longitudinal center part, a rod-like urine/fecesstopping member 40 having a substantially elliptical section isprovided. A front side from the rod-like urine/feces stopping member 40serves as a urine receiving part P, and a rear side therefrom serves asa feces receiving part Q. The urine/feces stopping member 40 is inclinedrearward slightly.

A skin contact sheet 50 is provided on the absorber 141. Being providedwith the skin contact sheet 50 results in excellent surface touch of theabsorbent article worn. The skin contact sheet is not particularlylimited as long as it has body fluid permeability. A conventionallyknown top sheet can be used for the skin contact sheet. Specificexamples thereof that may be used include: a nonwoven fabric of asynthetic fiber such as a PP nonwoven fabric, a PET nonwoven fabric, ora PE nonwoven fabric; and a dry nonwoven fabric obtained by mixing ahydrophilic fiber such as rayon or cotton, and a synthetic fiber.

The skin contact sheet 50 covers an upper surface of the absorber 141from a position in front of a front end of the absorber 141 to aposition behind a front end of the second leak preventer 121.

An outer gather 60, which is a stretchable strip member, is provided ata center part of each of right and left sides of the first leakpreventer 101. Further, above the first leak preventer 101, an innergather 62, which is a strip member, is provided on both right and leftsides of the second leak preventer 121.

As shown in FIG. 27, when the absorbent article 300 is worn, front andrear ends of the first leak preventer 101 are bonded through the bondingtape 64, to thereby form one waist hole W and two leg holes LH.

Embodiment 2

FIGS. 28 to 30 are schematic diagrams each showing an absorbent articleof the present invention according to an embodiment of a tapeless-typediaper. FIG. 28 is a perspective view showing a state of the absorbentarticle worn. FIG. 30(A) is a longitudinal end view taken along the lineXXXA-XXXA of FIG. 29, and FIG. 30(B) is a lateral end view taken alongthe line XXXB-XXXB of FIG. 29.

An absorbent article 310 shown in FIG. 28 has a front part and a rearpart bonded through a bonding part 70, and has a shape of underpantshaving one waist hole W and two leg holes LH. FIG. 29 is a plan view ofthe absorbent article opened by separating the bonding part 70 of FIG.28.

Both right and left sides of a first leak preventer 102 in sheet formrise upward to form side walls, which are folded inward. A peripheralshape retaining member 68 is provided across substantially the entirelength of each of ends of the side walls of the first leak preventer102.

The peripheral shape retaining member 68 has a function of retaining ashape of ends of the side walls, to thereby prevent efficiently leak ofurine out of a body fluid receiving region. Further, when the absorbentarticle is worn, the peripheral shape retaining member 68 can preventunevenness to a great extent at ends of the side walls.

A material for the peripheral shape retaining member 68 preferably hascushioning property (elasticity) and a certain thickness. Preferableexamples thereof include: a foamed product (made of PU, PP, or PP/EVA,for example); a synthetic rubber sheet; a stretchable elastic film; arubber filament; and a polyurethane filament.

When the absorbent article of the present invention is worn, a frontpart of the peripheral shape retaining member 68 is positioned on eachof both sides of a urethral opening and an upper surface thereof isbrought into contact with a body of a wearer, to thereby elastically fixthe absorbent article and inhibit direct contact between the urethralopening and the absorbent article. Alternatively, even if the urethralopening and an absorbent article are brought into contact with eachother, the peripheral shape retaining member 68 inhibits application ofa large pressure on the urethral opening. In this way, a feeling ofpressure on the urethral opening can be eliminated when the absorbentarticle is worn. A space formed between the two peripheral shaperetaining members 68 serves as a passage for the urine. Thus, only theurethral opening of the wearer and a vicinity thereof get wet, and thewearer can urinate without wetting other sites.

On a front side of the absorbent article 310, genital organs are heldbetween the two peripheral shape retaining members 68, to therebyprevent leak of urine to the outside. On a rear side of the absorbentarticle 310, the two peripheral shape retaining members 68 adhere to askin of a wearer along round buttocks, to thereby prevent leak of feces,in particular, soft feces excreted, to the outside. As a result, aninner gather and an outer gather are not necessary, although they may beprovided. In this embodiment, an outer gather 60 alone is provided.

A second leak preventer 122 in sheet form is provided above the firstleak preventer 102 in its rear part. An absorber 142 is formed into twotubes and provided separately on right and left sides above the firstleak preventer 102 in its front part beneath the second leak preventer122. The absorber 142 is held in a space formed by side walls of thefirst leak preventer 102 and is only partly exposed.

A process for forming an absorber into a tube may employ a processproposed by the inventors of the present invention in JP 10-314217 A. Asdescribed above, the absorber 142 is preferably formed into a tube forefficient absorption of the urine in a small space. To be specific, theabsorber 142 formed into a tube allows passage of the urine through thetube and hardly causes blocking of the urine. Thus, the absorber 142 mayhave a longitudinally long continuous shape. Further, when the absorber142 formed into a tube absorbs the urine, the absorber 142 is hardlydeformed and a space is formed between the two swollen absorbers 142, tothereby assure passage of the urine.

The urine/feces stopping member 40 is provided in a vicinity of alongitudinal center part. A front side of the urine/feces stoppingmember 40 serves as a urine receiving part P, and a rear side thereofserves as a feces receiving part Q. The urine/feces stopping member 40includes: a rod-like urine stopping part 40 a and a rod-like fecesstopping part 40 b each having a substantially elliptical section; and abase part 40 c in sheet form for bonding these stopping parts. The urinestopping part 40 a inclines to a front side to prevent transfer of theurine to a rear side. The feces stopping part 40 b inclines rearward toprevent transfer of the feces to a front side. The urine/feces stoppingmember 40 is provided across an entire lateral width of the first leakpreventer 102.

A lower surface of the urine/feces stopping member 40 and an uppersurface of a front end of the second leak preventer 122 are bondeddirectly at a center part through a bonding part 19, and are bonded onboth right and left sides through folded parts of the side walls of thefirst leak preventer 102 and the peripheral shape retaining member 68.That is, the urine/feces stopping member 40, the second leak preventer122, the folded parts of the side walls of the first leak preventer 102and the peripheral shape retaining member 68 are bonded integrallythrough the bonding part 19. The bonding part 19 may be formed of anadhesive such as a heat sensitive adhesive.

A urine introduction part forming member 28 having liquid permeabilityis provided under a front end of the second leak preventer 122. Thus,the urine stopped by the urine stopping part 40 a passes through theurine introduction part forming member 28 having liquid permeability andtransfers beneath the second leak preventer 122.

Similarly to Embodiment 1, the skin contact sheet 50 is provided on theabsorber 142. The skin contact sheet 50 covers an upper surface of theabsorber 142 from a position in front of a front end of the absorber 142to a position behind a front end of the second leak preventer 122.

An outer member 61 formed of a nonwoven fabric bonded to side edges ofthe first leak preventer 102, the skin contact sheet 50, the second leakpreventer 122, and the urine/feces stopping member 40 is providedoutside the side walls of the first leak preventer 102. An outer gather60, which is a stretchable strip member, is provided at a center part ofeach of right and left sides of the outer member 61.

A waist gather 66 is provided at both front and rear ends of the firstleak preventer 102 and outer member 61.

In Embodiment 2, the first leak preventer 102 and the second leakpreventer 122 are each formed into a bag independent from each other, tothereby allow substantially complete separation of the urine and thefeces.

Embodiment 3

FIGS. 31 to 34 are each a schematic diagram showing an absorbent articleof the present invention according to another embodiment mode of atape-type diaper. FIG. 31 is a plan view. FIG. 32 is a longitudinal endview taken along the line XXXII-XXXII of FIG. 31, and FIGS. 33(A) to33(C) are lateral end views taken along the line XXXIIIA-XXXIIIA, theline XXXIIIB-XXXIIIB, and the line XXXIIIC-XXXIIIC of FIG. 31,respectively. FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a state of the absorbentarticle worn.

In an absorbent article 320, front, rear, right, and left sides of afirst leak preventer 103 in sheet form rise upward to form walls, whichare folded inward. A peripheral shape retaining member 68 is provided toform a rectangle on each end of the walls of the first leak preventer103.

When the absorbent article of the present invention is worn, front partsof the peripheral shape retaining members 68 are positioned on right,left, and front sides of a urethral opening and upper surfaces thereofare brought into contact with a body of a wearer, to thereby elasticallyfix the absorbent article and inhibit direct contact between theurethral opening and the absorbent article. Alternatively, even if theurethral opening and an absorbent article are brought into contact witheach other, the peripheral shape retaining member 68 inhibitsapplication of a large pressure on the urethral opening. In this way, afeeling of pressure on the urethral opening can be eliminated when theabsorbent article is worn. A space formed between the two right and leftperipheral shape retaining members 68 serves as a passage for the urine.Thus, only the urethral opening of the wearer and a vicinity thereof getwet, and the wearer can urinate without wetting other sites.

On a front side of the absorbent article 320, genital organs are heldbetween the two right and left peripheral shape retaining members 68.The peripheral shape retaining members 68 at a front side adheres to abody of the wearer, and a front wall of the first leak preventer 103 isformed into a bag, to thereby prevent very efficiently leak of the urineto the outside. In particular, the effect is generally significant in aprone position in which the urine is liable to leak from the front side.

On a rear side of the absorbent article 320, the peripheral shaperetaining members 68 adhere to a skin of the wearer along roundbuttocks. Further, the peripheral shape retaining members 68 at rearside adheres to the body of the wearer, and a rear wall of the firstleak preventer 103 is formed into a bag, to thereby prevent veryefficiently leak of the feces to the outside. In particular, the effectis generally significant in a supine position in which the feces, inparticular, soft feces are liable to leak from the rear side. As aresult, an inner gather and an outer gather are not necessary. Thisembodiment causes no tightening of the body of the wearer and providesexcellent wearability. However, the inner gather and the outer gathermay be provided.

Right and left side walls of the first leak preventer 103 are formedinto folded-shape, and are divided into two stepped spaces of upper andlower spaces by folded parts. In this way, a larger amount of urine canbe absorbed, and the absorbent article can be worn for a long period oftime.

A second leak preventer 123 in sheet form is provided in a rear part ofan upper space defined by the first leak preventer 103. A substantiallyrectangular absorbers 143 are provided separately on right and leftsides from a front part of a lower space defined by the first leakpreventer 103 beneath the second leak preventer 123, and is provided ina front part of the upper space of the first leak preventer 103. Thatis, the absorber 143 is formed in two layers on a front side of theabsorbent article 320, and formed in one layer on a rear side thereof.The absorber 143 is held in a space formed by the side walls of thefirst leak preventer 103, and is only partly exposed.

In this way, only one layer of the absorber 143 is present under thesecond leak preventer 123, and thus is liable to sag down when theabsorber 143 receives feces. That is, an amount of the feces to bereceived increases. In particular, in this embodiment, a front centerpart of the second leak preventer 123 is bonded to a member thereunder(liquid guide sheet 80 in this case) through the bonding part 17, andthus a volume of a feces receiving region increases in advances.

The absorber 143 is separated on right and left sides, and thus a volumeof a center part increases further when the absorber 143 absorbs urine.

The urine/feces stopping member 40 is provided in a vicinity of alongitudinal center part. A front side from the urine/feces stoppingmember 40 serves as a urine receiving part P, and a rear side therefromserves as a feces receiving part Q. The urine/feces stopping member 40includes: a rod-like urine stopping part 40 a and a rod-like fecesstopping part 40 b each having a substantially elliptical section; and abase part 40 c in sheet form for bonding the stopping parts. The urinestopping part 40 a inclines frontward to prevent transfer of the urineto a rear side. The feces stopping part 40 b inclines rearward toprevent transfer of the feces to a front side. The urine/feces stoppingmember 40 is provided across the entire lateral width of the first leakpreventer 103.

A lower surface of the urine/feces stopping member 40 and an uppersurface of a front end of the second leak preventer 123 are bondeddirectly through the bonding part 17. The bonding part 17 may be formedof an adhesive such as a heat sensitive adhesive.

The urine introduction part forming member 28 having liquid permeabilityis provided under a front end of the second leak preventer 123. Thus,the urine stopped by the urine stopping part 40 a passes through theurine introduction part forming member 28 having liquid permeability andtransfers beneath the second leak preventer 123.

Upper surfaces of both right and left sides of the second leak preventer123 are bonded to side surfaces of the first leak preventer 103 througha bonding part 21, to thereby prevent leak of the feces from the rightand left sides of the second leak preventer 123.

A feces disposing sheet 13 is provided above the second leak preventer123. The feces disposing sheet serves to absorb water content of feces,in particular, soft feces to inhibit wide spreading of the feces. Afeces disposing sheet also serves as a skin contact sheet when feces arenot excreted.

For example, an absorbent nonwoven fabric formed of pulp or the like ispreferably used as the feces disposing sheet. To be specific, Kinoclothavailable from Oji Kinocloth Co., Ltd. is preferably used.

Similarly to Embodiment 1, the skin contact sheet 50 is provided on theabsorber 143 in an upper space defined by the first leak preventer 103.The skin contact sheet 50 covers the upper surface of the absorber 143from a position in front of a front end of the absorber 143 to aposition behind a front end of the second leak preventer 123.

The liquid guide sheet 80 is provided under the absorber 143 in a lowerspace defined by the first leak preventer 103.

The liquid guide sheet 80 is not particularly limited as long as it hasa structure including a passage allowing transfer of the urine, butpreferably has no body fluid absorbing property or body fluid retainingproperty for rapid transfer of the urine. To be specific, an unevensheet member (porous uneven sheet member) having pores on projectedportion is preferably used.

A strip waist band 72 is provided at a rear end of the first leakpreventer 103, and a removable member 74 is provided on each of bothends of the strip waist band 72. A removable member 76 is provided on alower surface of a front end of the first leak preventer 103. Theremovable member 74 and the removable member 76 may be attached to ordetached from each other freely, and are preferably formed of varioushook and loop fasteners.

In Embodiment 3, the first leak preventer 103 and the second leakpreventer 123 are each formed into a bag independent from each other, tothereby allow substantially complete separation of the urine and thefeces.

In Embodiment 3, in a case where a wearer has difficulties in wearingthe absorbent article by him- or her-self, a care giver can put on theabsorbent article while checking a position of a urethral opening oranus of the wearer.

In the absorbent article of the present invention, the second leakpreventer may be removable. In this case, after the second leakpreventer receives feces, the second leak preventer may be removed anddisposed. Then, an unused second leak preventer may be attached forrepeated use of the absorbent article. Alternatively, the unused secondleak preventer may not be attached, and the absorbent article may beused as a normal diaper in which the urine and the feces are notseparated.

Further, when the absorbent article of the present invention includesthe feces disposing sheet, the feces disposing sheet may also beremovable. Then, an unused feces disposing sheet may be attached forrepeated use of the absorbent article. Alternatively, the absorbentarticle may be used without attaching the unused feces processing sheet.

A structure of the removable second leak preventer or the like is notparticularly limited. Examples thereof include: a structure in which thefeces disposing sheet alone is removable; a structure in which thesecond leak preventer alone (without the feces disposing sheet) isremovable; a structure in which the second leak preventer and theurine/feces stopping member are removable; and a structure in which thesecond leak preventer, the urine/feces stopping member, and the urineintroduction part forming member are removable. In a case where theurine/feces stopping member is removable, a part (urine stopping part orfeces stopping part, for example) of the urine/feces stopping member mayremovable or the entire urine/feces stopping member may be removable.

The removable members may be removable independently, or removabletogether.

As described above, the absorbent article of the present invention hasbeen described in detail based on embodiment modes shown in thedrawings. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, andstructures of the respective members may be replaced by arbitrarystructures which may exhibit similar functions.

The structures of the respective members of embodiment modes may becombined arbitrarily as other embodiment modes.

The absorbent article of the present invention may suitably be used asan absorbent article for an adult male, an adult female, or a child.

EXAMPLES

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail byreferring to examples. However, the present invention is not limitedthereto.

As described below, a test on wearability was performed by using theabsorbent article of the present invention and a commercially availableabsorbent article.

1. Absorbent Article

In Example, the absorbent article of the present invention shown inFIGS. 31 to 34 was used. A super absorbent sheet prepared by coatingSAP-dispersed slurry on a nonwoven fabric (MegaThin (trade name),available from Japan Absorbent Technology Institute, SAP amount: 140g/m²) was used as an absorber.

Table 1 shows a content of the super absorbent sheet, designeddehydrated water-absorption amount, and designed free water-absorptionamount for each part of the absorbent article. The designed freewater-absorption amount was determined in accordance with JIS K7223-1996“Testing method for water-absorption capacity of super absorbentpolymers”. The designed dehydrated water-absorption amount wasdetermined by centrifuging the absorbent article at 1,000 G for 10 minfor dehydration, after measurement of the designed free water-absorptionamount.

TABLE 1 Designed Content of Designed free dehydrated super water- water-absorbent absorption absorption sheet (g) amount (mL) amount (mL) Frontpart 8.0 400 240 Rear part 4.0 200 120 Total 12.0 600 3602. Test on Wearability

The absorbent article was put on each of four healthy subjects (male 1:38 years old; male 2: 64 years old; female 1: 32 years old; and female2: 54 years old) as wearers each having a healthy urination mechanismand a healthy bowel mechanism, and the wearers each urinated anddefecated as described below.

The wearers each maintained a standing position, a sitting position, arecumbent position, or a supine position, and urinated when the wearerhad a desire to urinate. After the urination was completed, theabsorbent article was removed to measure a urine absorption amount. Thewearers each put on the same absorbent article and urinated, and theurine absorption amount was measured in the same manner.

Then, the wearers each put on the same absorbent article for testing inthe standing position and the sitting position, and defecated when thewearer had a desire to defecate. After the defecation was completed, theabsorbent article was removed to measure an amount of feces captured.Further, the presence or absence of soil on the absorbent article andthe wearer, and a separation level of the urine and the feces wereobserved.

Table 2 shows average urine absorption amounts of the four wearers forthe first urination and the second urination.

Table 2 clearly shows that the urine absorption amount greatly exceededthe designed dehydrated water-absorption amount for testing in anyposition. Of those, the urine absorption amount was at a high levelcomparable to that of the designed free water-absorption amount fortesting in the standing position and the sitting position.

TABLE 2 First urination Second urination (mL) (mL) Total (mL) Standing340 280 620 position Sitting position 370 220 590 Recumbent 270 230 500position Supine position 300 250 550

Table 3 shows the amount of feces captured and the presence or absenceof soil on the absorbent article and wearer.

Table 3 clearly shows that no soil was observed on the absorbent articleafter defecation, or soil was slightly observed thereon.

No soil was observed on the wearer after defecation. Here, a buttocksregion of the wearer refers to a region of buttocks excluding a vicinityof an anus. Thus, no observation of soil in the region of buttocksexcluding the vicinity of the anus, which is soiled with defecation,indicates that the feces was captured assuredly in a feces receivingpart.

Further, the urine and the feces were completely separated for all thewearers and were not mixed.

TABLE 3 MALE FEMALE FEMALE 1 (g) MALE 2 (g) 1 (g) 2 (g) Standingposition — 100 — 75 Sitting position 85  50 45 32 Soil on absorbentSlight soil on None Slight soil on None article other periphery ofperiphery of than feces urine/feces urine/feces receiving part stoppingstopping member member Soil in region of None None None None wearer'sbuttocks region

1. An absorbent article configured to be worn by a user, where thearticle has a front side corresponding to a front side of a body of theuser when the article is worn by the user, and a rear side correspondingto a rear side of the body of the user when the article is worn by theuser, the article comprising: a first leak preventer in sheet formextending from the front side of the absorbent article to the rear sideof the absorbent article, the first leak preventer having a front partdisposed on the front side of the absorbent article and a rear partdisposed on the rear side of the absorbent article; a second leakpreventer in sheet form for receiving feces excreted from an anus of theuser disposed above an upper side of the first leak preventer, thesecond leak preventer being positioned over the rear part of the firstleak preventer, wherein the second leak preventer does not substantiallyextend over the front part of the first leak preventer and does notinclude any perforation so as to prevent the feces from permeating orpassing through the second leak preventer and the second leak preventeris closer to a skin of the user than the first leak preventer when thearticle is worn by the user; and an absorber containing a superabsorbent polymer, capable of absorbing a body fluid, the absorber beingdisposed above an upper side of the first leak preventer and extendingfrom the front part of the first leak preventer beneath the second leakpreventer in at least one layer, and a urine introduction part formingmember bonded to a part of a lower surface of a front end or in avicinity of the front end of the second leak preventer, the urineintroduction part being provided to form a flow passage to flow the bodyfluid received on a front side of the absorber toward a rear side of theabsorber.
 2. The absorbent article according to claim 1, furthercomprising a urine/feces stopping member in the front end or in thevicinity of the front end of the second leak preventer.
 3. The absorbentarticle according to claim 2, wherein the urine/feces stopping member iscombined with the urine introduction part forming member.
 4. Theabsorbent article according to claim 1, further comprising a urine/fecesstopping member spaced apart from the second leak preventer.
 5. Theabsorbent article according to claim 1, wherein the urine introductionpart forming member has liquid permeability.
 6. The absorbent articleaccording to claim 1, further comprising a skin contact sheet providedon the absorber.
 7. The absorbent article according to claim 5, furthercomprising a skin contact sheet provided on the absorber.
 8. Theabsorbent article according to claim 6, wherein the skin contact sheetis bonded to the urine introduction part forming member.
 9. Theabsorbent article according to claim 7, wherein the skin contact sheetis bonded to the urine introduction part forming member.
 10. Theabsorbent article according to claim 1, wherein a hollow space isprovided between the second leak preventer and the absorber in a frontend of the second leak preventer, the front end of the second leakpreventer being disposed on the front side of the absorbent article, thehollow space opening out toward the front side of the absorbent articleand being configured as a part of the flow passage, and the urineintroduction part being provided between the lower surface of the frontend of the second leak preventer and an upper surface of the absorber tomaintain the hollow space.
 11. The absorbent article according to claim2, wherein the urine introduction part forming member has liquidpermeability.
 12. The absorbent article according to claim 3, whereinthe urine introduction part forming member has liquid permeability. 13.The absorbent article according to claim 4, wherein the urineintroduction part forming member has liquid permeability.
 14. Theabsorbent article according to claim 2, further comprising a skincontact sheet provided on the absorber.
 15. The absorbent articleaccording to claim 3, further comprising a skin contact sheet providedon the absorber.
 16. The absorbent article according to claim 4, furthercomprising a skin contact sheet provided on the absorber.